Penang MCA chief Ng Yen Yen today announced her top leadership line-up for 2010-2011 and it appears to be dominated by party veterans.

Former state executive councilor Loh Hock Aun is state deputy chief, while the four vice-presidents are Goh Poh Chuan (Kepala Batas), Ma Kok Ben (Permatang Pauh), Chuah Tee Seng (Balik Pulau) and Tang Heap Seng (Bukit Bendera).

NONE Former Berapit state assemblyperson Lau Chiek Tuan was appointed secretary, while former Penang MCA deputy chairperson Koay Kar Huah is state party advisor.

“Koay has contributed much to the party but he is now busy with business. But he knows how important the committee is to service the people of Penang and to strengthen the party,” Ng told reporters at the party’s headquarters in Jalan Pahang.

“Therefore, he has discussed with me and was willing to be the advisor. But I am not letting him free; he will be the state deputy coordinator to help me out,” she added, further stating that Koay will also be the state representative to MCA’s strategic think-tank Insap.        

Koay, who was a three-term state executive councilor and former Sri Delima state assemblyperson, was embroiled in a controversy with former state chief Wong Kam Hoong in 2006.

NONE In 2005 Koay had polled the highest votes among Penang leaders who had contested and secured a seat in the central committee party elections. He was however not reappointed state deputy chief the following year.

Ong Ka Ting, then party president, ultimately replaced both Wong and Koay with deputy president Chan Kong Choy and Lau Chiek Tuan (a first-term state executive councillor and former state party secretary) respectively.

A holistic line-up

Explaining the new line-up, Ng, who is also tourism minister, said she considered candidates from various backgrounds, from experienced veterans to youths who will help strengthen the party at grassroots level.

        

When asked why the veterans were in majority, Ng said, “This  line-up represents all divisions in a holistic manner. We have to consider every aspect and try to unite all the energies.”

The minister said she was confident that the ‘harmony and unity’ of the new leadership will bring goodwill to the Penang residents.